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We’ve been getting quite a few snow storms within the past couple of days here in CT, and if anyone knows me, you know I love snow. There’s just something so whimsical and calming about watching the flakes as they fall slowly down from the sky.

I write this as I watch our backyard slowly transform into a winder wonderland … while browsing Etsy. Pure bliss.

Ear bands have been … well, my thing this winter. They’re perfect for New England winters full of chilly air and frequent snow falls … also perfect to mask not-so-great hair days ;).

Though I swooned over most of the ones I stumbled across, these from Love, LLC really caught my eye. What left me swooning? The flowers are removable on each ear band! For indecisive broads like myself, they’re the perfect solution for constantly changing your look. And with a price tag that my wallet approves of, how can you go wrong?

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Wow, I can’t believe it’s already Christmas! Merry Christmas Eve! Like many of you, I’ve been baking, shopping, and running around like a crazy Christmas elf to ensure things are perfect for the holiday.

We had a cookie swap at work a few weeks ago and I was pressed for time, so I baked reindeer sugar cookies. Festive, tasty, and quick to make. My kind of cookie.

-In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.

-Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let stand on cookie sheet two minutes before removing to cool on wire racks.

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It is with such a heavy heart that I write this post. I’ve been debating whether or not to post about what occurred last week in Newtown. A town only two towns away from me. A town where my family resides. A town that is the story-book New England town. The act of violence that has occurred is unfathomable and is too horrible to even try to comprehend. And while I debated not writing this post, it seems to be all that crosses my mind. Like you, I cried as the news updates poured in and wondered how something so cruel could happen in our world–especially to the most delicate and innocent. A feeling of helplessness rushed in as my heart shattered for these families. I looked for an opportunity to let those affected know that they are not alone and that we as a community are there to shed tears with them, pray with them, and to help in anyway we can. While I know, no words, gifts, or acts of service will ever ease the pain, I want all of those affected by this tragedy to know they are in my heart and prayers.

I received an email about an opportunity for all of us to show our love for Newtown. An opportunity that we are all able to participate in. Simply cut out a paper heart, decorate it, and write a message of love. Address them to “Hearts of Hope” and send to:

Newtown Congregational Church
14 West Street
Newtown, CT 06470

The hearts will be delivered to cover Newtown with love from around the world. Hearts will be hung in local businesses, churches, and banks so that no matter where the people of Newtown go they will be surrounded by love and reminded that from this hateful act rose love and support.

My heart aches for those that lost loved ones & the grief we all feel is unspeakable. My deepest sorrows go out to the families of the victims, the first responders, and all of those affected by this horrible tragedy.

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We had a cookie swap at work last week and all of the cookies I came home with were just so tasty that I couldn’t resist sharing with you all. There’s nothing better than a good ol’ fashioned cookie swap–and we sure did have a grand time.

Enjoying homemade Christmas baking is highlight of the season for many of us, but making many different treats from scratch can be time consuming and a lot of work. Stock your freezer with an assortment of cookies, bars, and all things delicious by hosting a cookie exchange! We each baked 6 dozen cookies and come home with a hefty plate with an assortment of cookies. Successful in my book!